My Toxic Stepbrother

Playing with Fire.

**Riley**

I stood in front of my bedroom mirror and touched my bottom lip. It felt tender. The memory of Kai’s mouth against mine from last night was like a burn that would not heal. I hated him. I told myself that ten times as I applied a layer of dark red lipstick. I needed to get out of this house. I needed to be around normal people who did not look at me like I was a prize to be broken. I needed to forget the way I had kissed him back.

Jade honked her horn in the driveway. I grabbed my leather jacket and slipped out of my room. I moved quietly, hoping to avoid any dark shadows in the hallway. I reached the front door and stepped out into the cool night air. The Voss mansion felt like a cage, and I was finally escaping, even if it was just for a few hours.

“You look like you are going to war,” Jade said when I climbed into her car.

“I feel like it,” I replied. I buckled my seatbelt and stared at the iron gates. “Just drive, Jade. Anywhere but here.”

Ty’s house was a mess. The bass from the speakers vibrated in my teeth before we even reached the front porch. The air inside was thick with the smell of sweat, cheap beer, and expensive weed. It was exactly what I needed. I wanted to drown in the noise. I wanted the music to be so loud that I could not hear my own thoughts.

Jade handed me a plastic cup. “Drink this. Stop thinking about your house.”

“I am trying,” I said. I took a long swallow. The liquid burned my throat, but it helped settle the nerves in my stomach.

I scanned the room. People were dancing in the living room. Some were passed out on the sofa. I saw Ty near the kitchen. He was laughing at something a girl said. He looked over and saw me. His smile vanished. He whispered something to the guy next to him. I ignored him. I was not here for Ty.

“Let’s dance,” I said to Jade.

We moved into the crowd. I closed my eyes and let the rhythm take over. For a moment, I forgot about the marble floors of the mansion. I forgot about Marcus and my mother. I forgot about the way Kai’s hands felt on my waist. I felt free.

Then the energy in the room shifted. I did not have to open my eyes to know he was there. The temperature seemed to drop. I turned around and saw them. Kai and Ty were standing by the door. Kai was not dressed for a party. He wore a plain black hoodie and dark jeans. His tattoos were hidden, but his presence was louder than the music.

He did not look at the girls who were staring at him. He did not look at the beer someone offered. His grey eyes were locked on me. They were cold. They were possessive. It felt like a leash tightening around my neck.

“Don’t look at him,” Jade whispered in my ear. “Ignore him.”

“I am trying,” I said. But I could feel his gaze. It was a physical weight on my skin.

I decided to push back. A guy from my psychology class, Sean, was standing nearby. He was cute and safe. He had a kind smile that did not hide any secrets. I walked over to him.

“Hey, Sean,” I said, pitching my voice to carry over the music.

“Riley! I didn’t think you’d be here,” he said. He looked happy to see me.

“I needed a break. Want to dance?”

Sean grinned. “I’d love to.”

We moved back to the center of the room. Sean was a good dancer. He kept a respectful distance. He made a joke about our professor, and I laughed. It was a real laugh. But as I laughed, I caught sight of Kai. He had moved. He was leaning against a pillar only five feet away. His arms were crossed over his broad chest. He was staring at Sean like he wanted to dismantle him.

“Is everything okay?” Sean asked. He noticed the tension.

“Fine,” I said. “Keep dancing.”

But Sean was looking past me now. He turned pale. I felt a shadow fall over us. Kai stepped into our space. He did not say a word to me. He just looked at Sean.

“Walk away,” Kai said. His voice was a low, dangerous growl that cut through the music.

“Hey, man, we’re just dancing,” Sean said, trying to act brave.

Kai took a step closer. He was much taller than Sean. He looked like a predator. “I won’t say it again. Walk away.”

Sean looked at me, then back at Kai. He knew a losing fight when he saw one. “Sorry, Riley. I’ll see you in class.”

He disappeared into the crowd. I turned on Kai, my blood boiling. “What is wrong with you? You can’t do that!”

“I just did,” Kai said. He grabbed my wrist. His grip was like iron. “We’re leaving.”

“No, we aren't! I came here with Jade.”

“Jade is busy,” Kai said. I looked over and saw Ty talking to Jade. He was blocking her path, looking smug. Kai leaned in close. “You’re coming with me, Riley. Now.”

He did not wait for an answer. He dragged me toward the door. I tried to pull away, but it was useless. We stepped out onto the porch. The night air was cold against my heated skin. He led me to his black SUV and opened the passenger door.

“Get in,” he commanded.

“I hate you,” I hissed. But I climbed inside. I knew he would not let me go back in.

He slammed the door and walked around to the driver's side. He started the engine. The roar of the car felt like an extension of his anger. He backed out of the driveway and sped down the street.

The silence in the car was suffocating. I stared out the window at the passing streetlights. My heart was pounding against my ribs.

“You had no right to do that,” I said. I did not look at him.

“You’re my sister, Riley. I’m looking out for you,” he said. The mockery in his voice was clear.

“We aren't siblings and you know it. You were jealous.”

Kai laughed, a dark, dry sound. “Jealous of Sean? Please. He’s a puppy. You need someone who can actually handle you.”

“And you think that’s you?” I turned to face him.

He didn't answer. He kept his eyes on the road. His jaw was tight. We were halfway home when he reached over. His hand landed on my thigh. I jumped, my skin tingling.

“Move your hand, Kai,” I said. My voice was shaky.

“No,” he replied.

He did not move it. He squeezed my leg. His palm was hot. I could feel the heat through my jeans. He started to slide his hand upward. Slow. Deliberate. My breath hitched in my throat.

“Kai, stop,” I whispered.

“You don’t want me to stop,” he murmured.

He pulled the car into the long driveway of the mansion. The iron gates hissed shut behind us. He killed the engine, but he did not turn off the lights. The dashboard glowed, casting strange shadows across his face.

The silence was absolute now. I could hear my own frantic breathing. His hand moved higher, his fingers brushing against the hem of my shorts. I felt a surge of desire so strong it made me dizzy. I wanted to push him away. I wanted to pull him closer.

He leaned over the center console. His face was inches from mine. I could smell the woodsy scent of his cologne. His eyes were dark with hunger.

“You’re playing with fire, Riley,” he whispered.

“Then let me burn,” I replied.

He let out a jagged breath. He reached out and cupped the back of my neck. He pulled me toward him. Our lips were almost touching. I could feel the heat radiating from him. I closed my eyes, waiting for the impact. I wanted that kiss again. I needed it.

Then, the porch light of the mansion flickered on.

Kai froze. He looked toward the house. My mother was standing by the window. The moment shattered. He let go of my neck and pulled his hand back from my thigh. He sat back in his seat, his chest heaving.

“Go inside,” he said. His voice was rough.

I did not move at first. I was shaking. I looked at him, searching for the smirk, but it was gone. He looked raw. He looked dangerous.

“Kai—”

“Go, Riley. Before I forget where we are.”

I opened the car door and stepped out. My legs felt like jelly. I walked toward the front door without looking back. I reached the porch and grabbed the handle.

“Riley,” he called out.

I stopped and turned. He had rolled down his window. He was watching me with an intensity that made my heart stop.

“Next time,” he whispered, his voice dark and full of a filthy promise, “I won’t stop.”

I turned and bolted into the house. I did not stop until I was in my room with the door locked. I leaned against the wood and slid to the floor. My body was screaming for him. I knew I was in trouble. I was trapped in his game, and I did not want to leave.